On-the-spot BPL ration cards from February 20: Khader

Applicant should furnish income certificate to prove eligibility

Ahead of Assembly polls, the Food and Civil Supplies Department will soon start issuing BPL ration cards on the spot for applicants whose annual income is within ₹1.2 lakh.

Addressing presspersons here, Food and Civil Supplies Minister U.T. Khader said this was to simplify and expedite the process of issuing cards. “We will start giving the cards on the spot from February 20, if the consumer furnishes an income certificate to prove his income is within the prescribed limit. The verification will be done later,” Mr. Khader said.

“This will also hold good for those who have already applied for BPL cards. If they furnish an acknowledgment of the submitted application, they will get cards on the spot. This way we will be able to clear the pending 8 lakh applications at the earliest,” the Minister said. Pointing out that majority of those who apply

for BPL cards are genuine, he said: “Why should we deprive 90% people for the remaining 10% who are not eligible? We will do the verification later” he said.

The department will provide food inspectors laptops and colour printers, and they will be allowed to hire a data entry operator on contract to assist them in the process.

Earlier this year, the department had relaxed norms by allowing applicants to submit a self-declaration that their annual family income was below ₹1.2 lakh

Anila Bhagya scheme

The Mukhyamantri Anila Bhagya Scheme to provide free domestic gas connection to BPL families will be launched shortly. Under the scheme, a woman member from a BPL family will get a connection and a gas stove, and the State government will pay the oil company ₹1,940 directly, the Minister said.

LPG outlets

This apart, the State government will also bring in necessary amendments to ensure that setting up of petrol and LPG outlets will henceforth require the government’s permission.